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The exclusive feature of all the Thai cities is that they always house a pillar to host the guardian spirit or deity of the city. These places are usually located in and within the surrounding of big temples. And one such holy and symbolic representation of Bangkok is Lak Muang. Lak Muang, Bangkok or the City Pillar of Bangkok is located in a very auspicious location. Situated across the street from the Grand Palace, Lak Muang was built by King Rama I in 1782. The erection of this holy pillar marked the foundation of the city. Lak Muang, Bangkok is a small shrine and a point from which all distances are measured. According to famous belief, in this holy shrine the guardian spirits of Bangkok or say the real masters of the city reside. Lak Muang, Bangkok is always crowded with people. Whether it is a daytime or night, a group of people holding flowers and joss sticks gather around the gilded lingam, the phallic symbol in the center of the shrine, to pay their tributes. It is believed that doing so may result in good fortune in various earthly ventures. Not only this, many buy caged birds and carry them to Lak Muang. After arriving at this place, they release these birds to please their guardian spirits as well as to attain nirvana. The nearby area around Lak Muang also marks the presence of numerous people who make their offering to altars established outside the shrine. Not only this, a day time performance of Thai theatre is also carried out to entertain audiences.
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